Music has always been a big part of the Muskoka experience from the big band days of Dunn’s Pavilion, to acoustic jam sessions on steamships and now, with two big summer music festivals set to take over. Here is the lowdown on where to get in on the action in 2023.
Kee to Bala
The KEE to Bala, formerly known as Dunn’s Pavilion, is a historic concert venue and bar situated on Lake Muskoka in Bala, Ontario. It was established in 1929 by owner Gerry Dunn, who transformed the property into a concert hall in 1930. Renamed The KEE to Bala in the late 1960s, the venue has been a hub for big bands and live music performances. Over the years, different owners have made improvements and updates, adapting to changing music trends and expanding its offerings. Today, The KEE to Bala continues to host a variety of musical genres, appealing to a wide range of audiences while preserving its rich history.
Today, The Kee to Bala stands as a testament to the power of live music and community. Its stage continues to host a vibrant lineup of local and international artists, drawing crowds who seek the magic of a live performance in a historic and idyllic setting. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a first-time visitor, stepping into The Kee is like stepping back in time to experience the enduring spirit of music and camaraderie that has defined this remarkable venue for over eight decades.
The historic Kee to Bala has been a source of entertainment for Muskoka cottagers going back generations. This special place hosts a great concert series throughout the summer, featuring top acts this season such as the Sheepdogs, Metric, Kim Mitchell and Sam Roberts.
Tall Pines Festival
The Tall Pines Music & Arts Festival, known for its community-focused approach and culturally curated outdoor experience, is set to return for its second year at The Muskoka Wharf on June 16-17, 2023. With an all-Canadian line-up featuring renowned artists such as Blue Rodeo and Matthew Good, the festival promises to deliver unforgettable performances against the picturesque backdrop of Lake Muskoka.
In an effort to provide a comprehensive weekend experience, the festival organizers have introduced exciting additions for this year’s edition. Partnering with Algonquin Outfitters, the festival will now offer camping and canoeing options, allowing attendees to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of Muskoka. Camping enthusiasts can choose from multiple tiers of camping accommodations, including the opportunity to rent cabins and indulge in unique camping experience packages. Camp Tall Pines, as it is aptly named, will provide tent and canoe rentals, including the chance to participate in the construction of their own canoes. As an exclusive perk, campers will also receive special Camp Tall Pines merchandise and a limited-edition soap.
Immerse yourself in the magic of the Tall Pines Music Festival, where talented musicians gather in a scenic outdoor setting at the Gravenhurst waterfront, creating an unforgettable fusion of music, nature and community. This year’s festival features Blue Rodeo, Serena Ryder, I Mother Earth and many more.
Muskoka Music Festival
Gravenhurst, Ontario’s Muskoka Music Festival is set to make a triumphant return with their highly anticipated 2023 edition, taking place from August 18-20. The latest announcement reveals that the festival has secured the talented Loreena McKennitt as the headliner for this year. McKennitt, a multi-award-winning Canadian singer-songwriter and musician, was recently inducted into the prestigious Canadian Songwriter’s Hall of Fame.
Known for her enchanting Celtic melodies, Loreena McKennitt will be treating festival attendees to a rare and special performance. She will be showcasing her early repertoire of traditional Irish songs, taking the audience on a nostalgic journey back to her roots. McKennitt expressed her excitement about the upcoming folk festival performances, stating, “I miss them terribly and am so looking forward to being a part of them again this summer.”
Joining McKennitt on stage will be special guests The Bookends, a Stratford-based Celtic band. The band, which performed with McKennitt during December’s Under A Winter’s Moon Tour, will contribute their own songs to the sets. The talented members of The Bookends include Errol Fischer on fiddle and banjo, Miriam Fischer on piano and accordion, Cait Watson on whistles and flute, Pete Watson on guitars, and Romano DiNillo on Bodhran.
Miranda Mulholland, founder and Artistic Director of the Muskoka Music Festival, expressed her delight at having Loreena McKennitt perform in the Gravenhurst Opera House, a venue with personal significance. Mulholland shared, “To have this Canadian icon perform in the Gravenhurst Opera House that my Great-Great Grandfather had built is truly a full circle generational moment.”
Peter’s Players
Discover intimate live music experiences at Peter’s Players and on Peter’s Players live music boat cruises. This Gravenhurst venue hosts top-notch musicians from various genres especially blues, offering a unique and personal atmosphere for music enthusiasts.
Sawdust City Saloon
One of the best new breweries in Muskoka is Sawdust City in Gravenhurst. Located inside the brewery is a saloon that regularly features live music and comedy.